Lighting of the Commons Sets Christmas in Motion

By Cynthia Knox on November 29, 2017

To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, Oklahoma Christian University held its annual Lighting of the Commons last night, Nov. 28, complete with fireworks, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa Claus and a Christmas market.

The Oklahoma Christian Events Office organized most of Lighting of Commons, except the Christmas market, which Soundings, Oklahoma Christian’s literary and visual-arts journal, organized. In addition to the Christmas market, Soundings added a face-painting booth amidst the market to add more activities for children.

Senior Kevin McGuire works as the Marketing and PR Director for Soundings. McGuire handles the overall planning of activities for journal, such as the Christmas market fundraiser.

“[Soundings] reached out on Facebook to potential vendors around Oklahoma, so there are a couple of booths that don’t have any prior connection to OC or Soundings,” McGuire said. “We also placed a higher emphasis on recruiting booths that sell food since there generally are not many choices for buying snacks along with the hot chocolate provided by OC.”

Booths ranged from students, alumni and other local vendors, and sold a variety of snacks, crafts and other products.

“The Christmas market provides a great opportunity to spend time with fellow students, whether purchasing products from them, or just enjoying the environment of Lighting of the Commons,” McGuire said.

Junior Alana Seal decided to have her own booth for her business, A Seal of Approval. Her products include personalized wall hangings made of yarn and hand lettering.

“This was my first time being involved in the Christmas market,” Seal said. “I was excited to be involved with the other side of it this year. I do think student-run booths promote unity among students. It also brings a level of support for students who have their own businesses and the clubs that have their members participate in their booths.”

Sophomore Sheila Ellis, the Soundings administrative director, coordinated the booths for this year’s market. According to Ellis, more groups are signed up for this year’s Christmas market than ever before and she hopes this growth will add to Oklahoma Christian’s community atmosphere.

“I like how the Christmas market introduces the community to OC,” Ellis said. “It encourages community among students, staff and others in the area.”